What Makes Tier 16.5 Maps So Profitable?
The current Path of Exile 3.26 league offers a standout strategy for farming currency, and it’s centered around what players often call Tier 16.5 maps. These are essentially Egon’s Originator’s Memory maps, slightly more rewarding than standard tier 16s, but not quite tier 17. The main value comes from consistent drops of tier 17 maps, currency, and plenty of scarabs.
Each run, with the proper setup, delivers excellent returns. Most maps drop at least one tier 17, and in some cases, multiple ones. Add in scarabs, chaos orbs, and other loot, and this method can generate around 12 pure divine orbs per hour, net after costs.
How the Farming Loop Works
The loop is simple once you understand the components. You run an Egon-tiered map that has been juiced with proper mods and scarabs. With smart investment, you'll consistently pull out currency, maps, and valuable extras. This is what makes the method reliable, even if your RNG isn’t great.
The strategy works because each of these maps has a boosted chance to drop tier 17 maps when stacked with increased map drop mods and appropriate scarabs. With every run, the currency piles up steadily.
Setting Up the Tier 16.5 Map
Start by acquiring a Tier 16.5 map. These are available from Egon’s memory lines or purchased in bulk from trade. If you’re not sure which ones qualify, just look for maps labeled “Originator’s Memory.” These maps are ideal for bulk farming thanks to their tier level and monster density.
Once you have your map:
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Use 20% quality via Cartographer’s Chisels
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Apply an Orb of Alchemy to make it rare
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Reroll with Orb of Scouring + Alchemy until the map has 100%+ increased maps found
This stat is key to ensuring frequent tier 17 map drops. Some maps can even hit 150%, which greatly boosts your yield.
The Scarabs You Should Use
Scarabs are vital to scaling your profit. Here’s the suggested setup for this strategy:
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Cartography Scarab of Escalation: Boosts map drops based on mod count.
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Three Cartography Scarabs of Multitude: Increase chance for map drops from monster packs.
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Optional: Cartography Scarab of Risk – Adds random modifiers, increases loot but needs a strong build.
If your build isn’t too tanky, swap the last scarab for Cartography Scarab of Hordes, which increases pack size of influence monsters, making it easier to survive and still get good drops.
Using Delirium Orbs is another way to add pack size and monsters. Stronger builds can handle this easily, while budget builds may want to skip this part.
How to Handle Map Mods Without Dying
Rolling for increased maps found will add random mods. Don’t blindly run maps without reading them. Check for things like:
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Elemental reflect
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No regen (if your build relies on it)
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Reduced armor/evasion (bad for melee builds)
If your character is budget-geared (under 5 div), skip maps with too many dangerous mods. You want consistent runs, not deaths or wasted portals.
Why Tier 17 Maps Are the Real Prize
Tier 17 maps are currently in high demand, especially for players pushing endgame content. You can sell them in bulk on trade, often at premium prices. Even if one map drops three tier 17s, that’s a major profit spike.
These maps have become more valuable because of their connection to advanced progression and crafting bases. Holding onto them is an option too if you want to run your own high-end maps later.
Where the Atlas Tree Fits In
Your Atlas Tree can make or break this strategy. You should take nodes that enhance:
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Map tier upgrades
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Scarabs duplication
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Eldritch (Eater of Worlds) encounters
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Pack size and monster quantity
Avoid Beyond or Delirium if you’re not running those mechanics. You want a tree that amplifies your core setup: tier upgrades, map duplication, and monster packs.
The Eldritch influence also provides random boons like duplicating map drops or adding extra packs, both of which add more value to every run.
How to Sustain the Map Pool Long-Term
Sustaining your maps is easy with this loop. Every run gives back multiple tier 16s, even aside from the higher-tier maps. Store these tier 16 maps, and either run them for more loot or sell them in bulk later for consistent divine income.
You won’t be stuck with empty stash tabs. This method passively feeds itself, and you can recycle your maps to keep the loop going endlessly.
Build Requirements for Efficiency
While any solid build can attempt this, you’ll have the best time if you’re using something that clears fast, survives map mods, and handles high density. Meta builds or anything worth 10+ divines will crush it effortlessly.
If your setup is lower budget (under 5 divines), focus on survivability. Don’t chase the riskiest map mods or try Delirium orbs just to add pack size. Start safe and scale up.
This strategy rewards consistent runs. Missing one map due to deaths or poor planning sets you back. Keep the flow going and profit stays steady.
What You Can Expect per Hour
On average, one full clear of a Tier 16.5 map takes about 5 minutes. That means 12 maps per hour, each dropping currency, maps, scarabs, and a shot at tier 17s.
Breakdown looks like this:
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1+ Tier 17 map per run
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Multiple Tier 16 maps per run
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Currency loot (chaos/divines) from monsters and alters
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Scarab drops, especially if duplicated via Eldritch mods
Even after accounting for your cost of scarabs and rerolls, the pure profit hits around 12 divine orbs per hour, making it one of the most reliable farming methods in POE 3.26.
Final Thoughts on Tier 16.5 Farming in POE 3.26
Farming with Tier 16.5 maps in Path of Exile 3.26 is a consistent, low-risk way to make solid profits every hour. With the right setup—scarabs, map mods, and atlas passives—you’re looking at an average of 12 divine orbs per hour net income. This strategy scales well for experienced players with stronger builds but is also accessible to those with more budget setups if they avoid risky map mods.
The key is to maintain a steady loop, keep your scarab costs under control, and adjust your atlas tree to enhance map drops and quantity. Over time, this method becomes second nature and gives you a reliable income stream without relying on volatile mechanics like Heist or Expedition.
If you’re tired of inconsistent loot and want something that just works, this strategy is a great place to start.
Conclusion
The Tier 16.5 farming method in Path of Exile 3.26 is reliable, repeatable, and profitable. With a properly set up map and scarab combo, you can consistently earn around 12 divine orbs per hour. This method doesn’t require advanced mechanics or rare gear, making it accessible for most players. Just keep your maps well-rolled, avoid risky mods if you're undergeared, and tailor your atlas tree for map quantity and duplication. Over time, this strategy provides stable returns and a satisfying farming loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are Tier 16.5 maps in POE?
A: These are Egon’s Originator’s Memory maps, stronger than tier 16 but not quite tier 17. They're used for high-yield farming.
Q: How does this method make 12 divines per hour?
A: With optimized maps, scarabs, and the atlas tree, you consistently get tier 17 maps, currency, and scarabs that add up to around 12 div/hour.
Q: What are the best scarabs to use for this?
A: Use one Cartography Scarab of Escalation, three of Multitude, and optionally Risk or Hordes depending on your build's strength.
Q: Can beginners use this strategy?
A: Yes, as long as your build can handle moderate to high map mods. Avoid risky mechanics like Delirium if you're on a budget build.
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